Furniture Pimp : Jim Walrod

Ettore Sottsass Hsing Vessel from The Pop Series, Model 456

Stools After Jean Prouvé 1985

Kim Moltzer & Jean Paul Barray Coffee Table 1965

Guy de Rougemont Wall Mounted Console

On May 3rd Wright presents The Collection of Jim Walrod at auction. Comprised of 250 lots of art, design and objects from Jim’s personal collection, the sale is a celebration of a man who collected everything and knew just as much. 

Jim Walrod’s eye was legendary. Mike D of the Beastie Boys called him his ‘Furniture Pimp’ in sincere gratitude of his talents as a designer and in appreciation for the breadth of his knowledge. Clients worldwide—from David Bowie to André Balasz—sought his unparalleled expertise. Although Jim saw his role as a guide, aiding clients in finding their own distinct eye, it was his unique vision that shaped so many others.

His career began after a chance meeting with Andy Warhol led Jim to work for Fiorucci, the legendary style makers. There he was introduced to the radical designs of Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis group, as well as the key members of the New York art world. In 1987, Jim entered the New York art scene with his first gallery on Lafayette. He opened Form & Function in 1998, which became a mainstay for those looking for expertly curated vintage design. He remained true to his unique vision throughout his career, later lending his expertise as an interior designer, adviser and curator. With exhibitions at R & Company and Patrick Parrish gallery, Jim shared his collecting vision with an even wider audience.

Jim’s beloved Chinatown loft always remained the truest expression of his remarkable collecting vision. Works by friends were placed alongside modern icons creating an interior rich in dialog. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Jim sought works labeled as ugly or incompatible. And it is those experiments that make his collection so wonderfully rare and unique. Jim shared glimpses of this extraordinary space with friends, followers on social media and clients. Sourced from numerous locations, he was proud of his finds, whether it was a rare book or piece of radical lighting. Each cherished object was thoughtfully selected and likewise showcased within his interior.

This collection celebrates a rare collecting vision without boundaries. Each object was assembled with a singular appreciation of its aesthetic, regardless of the value to the outside world. As Jim was known to say: “Time is the only real critic that matters”. ~via Wright 20

*Our friend Jim is deeply missed*

The Highboy Picks

 

Highboy-PicksSPONSORED POST

It was recently brought to my attention of a new online market place, The Highboy.  They have a nicely curated selection of antiques, fine art, vintage furnishings and design objects, all from trusted and reputable dealers in the industry.  

Shown above personally selected from The Highboy: Vintage Chinese Black Lacquer Console Table“Visage Brun-Bleu” by Pablo Picasso, White Earthenware Clay with Englobes Decoration, 1947, Pair of Mid-Century Art Pottery Vases by Eduardo Vega,  Pair of Murano Glass Sconces, Loewe Black Alligator Briefcase.

Billings Auction

billings

BILLINGS LA Auction House is a curated live auction and design community-inspired happening at the Great Company, at 1917 Bay Street. The auction house was recently established in the heart of Los Angeles’ evolving arts district to provide affordable access to quality vintage modern furnishings, art, objects and accessories. Offering rare and noteworthy pieces at low to no reserve, with estimates ranging from $100 to $5,000, its curated cross-section covers the pedigreed to the anonymous, and the classic to the unusual. Co-founded by four highly respected Los Angeles dealers and gallerists, BILLINGS has amassed a collection of a hundred years of North American and international design and decorative arts from the 20th to early 21st centuries, placing an emphasis on mid-century modern selections and pieces from the 60’s and 70’s. December 12th auction is open to the public and will offer live entertainment, featuring music, and food trucks. Lot Previews will take place at BILLINGS’ 1919 Bay Street location from Dec 6 to Dec 12, from 10am-4pm. The option to participate remotely online and place absentee bids is available via LiveAuctioneers.com.

Wright20 + Blackman Cruz

blacjman Cruz

 

In April, Wright opens Blackman Cruz, a special exhibition and auction featuring alluring and exquisite works selected by the renowned dealers. This unprecedented and creative auction collaboration is composed of a wide-ranging selection of furniture, design and objects including everything from antiques to Blackman Cruz’s own contemporary productions. Highlights from the collection include a granite Sphinx by the sculptor David Edstrom that exhibited at the Panama Pacific Exposition of San Francisco in 1915 and a pair of gnarled wood and root lounge chairs from Al Capone’s hideout in Wisconsin. This compelling sale also features a 1951 Bianchi Motorcycle and an iron studded two-door safe displayed alongside a pair of custom club chairs by Arturo Pani and candlesticks by Frank Lloyd Wright. In dramatic exhibitions designed by Adam Blackman and David Cruz, these items and many other fascinating works will be on view in New York and Los Angeles.

The exhibition at Wright’s New York gallery opens April 3rd with the concurrent Los Angeles exhibition at Blackman Cruz opening April 10th.~wright20

My favorite picks are below.  View lots here.

Blackman

ATOMIC SUMMER

 

Atomic Summer is CURIO Studio & Collection’s newest exhibition, inspired by the hot summer nights of retro California. For this exhibition, the gallery will be transformed to showcase a unique and historically significant collection of  Mid-Century Modern furniture, décor and original art, guest curated by Brandon Vega, an  enigmatic, young collector-on-the-rise, based in San Diego, CA. Hosted by CURIO Studio & Collection, Anne Faith Nicholls, Hpnotiq Vodka & Prometheus Springs, art & design lovers are welcome to lounge, sip an “Atomic Cocktail”, and purchase these unique pieces at the exhibition’s public opening Saturday August 4th, 2012, 7-11pm. Atomic Summer is a special, limited time engagement, on display through August 25th, 2012.

CURIO Studio & Collection is located at 324 Sunset Ave. in Venice, CA.

More info. here.

Selexyz Dominicanen Maastricht

Incredible bookstore designed by architecture firm Merkx + Girod right inside a 13th century Dominican cathedral in Maastricht, Holland.  The project, Selexyz Dominicanen Maastricht, incorporates  3 stories of shopping space, a cafe, and eating area all done in a modern aesthetic while maintaining the ancient and religious details of the space.

See more dope pics here.

Shop the Store : : DERING HALL


“Ooh-ooh-ooooh!”
 Yes, I did just say that. I know, its a dorky reference to Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter, but that’s how I feel after checking out Dering Hall.  It is “an online marketplace for the finest interior designers, architects, artisans, and design dealers to showcase their work and sell new, high-end home furnishings and accessories.”  This isn’t IKEA peopleThis is some high-end, bespoke home furnishings and accessories.
The things pictured above are a few things I found that I’m head over heels in LOVE LOVE LOVE with.
Sign up here and you will be able to see the links to my selections and find some of your OWN.
clockwise from top left:   Mosaic Mirror-Re-Purposed Vintage and Antique Mirror from Downtown (price on request), Molded Aluminum Tripod Chair in Yellow-Original design by Poul Kjaerholm ($15k), Unique Brass & Mineral Inset Splendora from Michelle’s Rock Candy Collection (price on request), Aubusson Tapestry Wallhanging from Rug Company ($3,595), The Zoid brass Console ($6,800)  “Biomorphic Bubble” Illuminated Sculpture ($20k), Triangle Lucite Bookends  ($450)